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Reds sign Anderson to Minors deal

Reds sign Anderson to Minors deal

CINCINNATI -- The Reds signed outfielder Josh Anderson to a Minor League contract on Tuesday. The deal comes with an invitation to Spring Training as a non-roster player.

"I'm looking forward to getting started with them," said Anderson, a native of Somerset, Ky. "I'm extremely happy about it. I grew up a Reds fan. I was about three hours from their stadium. I look forward to helping out any way I can."

In 118 games for the Tigers and Royals last season, the 27-year-old Anderson hit .240 with one home run, 24 RBIs and 25 steals in 30 attempts. A left-handed hitter, he had a .276 on-base percentage (OBP) and .304 slugging percentage.

Over three seasons and 179 games with the Astros, Braves, Tigers and Royals, Anderson is a .272 hitter with a .313 OBP. He batted .283 vs. right-handed pitchers and .231 against lefties.

The Reds currently have a vacancy in left field and also have open spots on their bench. Among the outfielders that will be competing for spots are Drew Stubbs, Chris Dickerson, Willy Taveras, and Laynce Nix, who was re-signed last month to a Minor League deal.

Anderson started 2009 in camp with the Braves and was traded to Detroit near the end of spring. He was dealt to Kansas City on July 30.

"It's been a whirlwind," Anderson said. "I've been fortunate to have a little time up there [in the Majors]. I'm trying to get an opportunity to stay and get a chance to play."

Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.